Lima: Sea Lion Swim and Wildlife Palomino Islands Cruise

Exploring the marine life off Lima’s coast is an exhilarating opportunity. The Sea Lion Swim and Wildlife Palomino Islands Cruise offers a chance to swim alongside these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat. Departing from Callao, the 4-hour excursion takes participants to the Palomino Islands, a biodiverse haven teeming with guano birds and Humboldt penguins. With wetsuits and snorkeling gear provided, adventurers can enjoy this unique wildlife experience. What awaits on the islands may just surprise you.

Contents show

Good To Know

4-hour excursion priced from $75.00 per person with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.
Opportunity to swim with sea lions and observe guano birds and Humboldt penguins on San Lorenzo Island.
Departure from the Academy Rowing Club Universitario de Regatas in La Punta, Callao, with hotel pickup available in Miraflores and San Isidro.
Includes a boat ride, wetsuits, life jackets, snorkeling gear, and a bilingual guide.
Tour not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Lima Sea Lion Swim and Wildlife Palomino Islands Cruise offers an activity-packed 4-hour excursion priced from $75.00 per person.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s no upfront payment required to reserve a spot.

The tour departs from the Academy Rowing Club Universitario de Regatas in La Punta, Callao, with hotel pickup available in Miraflores and San Isidro.

Participants must arrive 30 minutes early.

The tour includes a boat cruise, a chance to swim with sea lions, bilingual guides, and necessary equipment like wetsuits and snorkels.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Lima

Wildlife Experience

Visitors can expect to swim with sea lions in their natural habitat during the tour. This unique opportunity allows travelers to interact with these playful marine mammals in their coastal environment.

The tour also includes spotting other wildlife like guano birds and Humboldt penguins. Participants will visit San Lorenzo Island, which holds significant historical context in addition to its abundant marine creatures.

The lack of predators in this ecosystem has led to a thriving population of wildlife, providing an exceptional and immersive experience for those seeking a close-up view of Peru’s coastal biodiversity.

Tour Logistics

Participants meet at the Academy Rowing Club Universitario de Regatas in La Punta, Callao, as this serves as the designated meeting point for the tour.

Hotel pickups are available from Miraflores and San Isidro, but not from private residences. Guests must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The tour includes a boat ride to the Palomino Islands, where you will have the opportunity to swim with sea lions and observe other wildlife.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Inclusions and Equipment

The tour includes a boat ride to the Palomino Islands, where participants can swim with sea lions and observe other wildlife.

The tour provides wetsuits, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment for the swim. A bilingual guide accompanies the group, providing commentary in both Spanish and English.

Participants must pay a $5 per person boarding fee, which is included in the overall price.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users due to the physical nature of the sea lion swim activity.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Based on reviews, customers have provided generally positive feedback about the Lima Sea Lion Swim and Wildlife Cruise.

The tour boasts an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews. Highlights include the informative guides, unique wildlife experience, and beautiful coastal scenery.

Customers positively described swimming with sea lions and engaging with the knowledgeable guides. Some noted navigational challenges regarding the meeting point, but overall the tour seems to deliver an immersive and memorable experience.

The wildlife and scenic views make this cruise a recommended activity for visitors to Lima.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Lima

Preparing for the Adventure

When preparing for the Lima Sea Lion Swim and Wildlife Cruise, it’s important to arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

The tour departs from the Academy Rowing Club Universitario de Regatas in La Punta, Callao. Pickup is available from hotels in Miraflores and San Isidro, but not private residences.

Participants must wear the provided wetsuits, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment for the swim with sea lions.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Ensuring proper preparation will help maximize the enjoyment of this unique wildlife experience.

Exploring the Palomino Islands

After preparing for the adventure, visitors embark on an exploration of the Palomino Islands, a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse marine wildlife.

The islands are home to abundant guano birds and Humboldt penguins. Visitors have the chance to spot these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

The lack of predators on the islands has led to a proliferation of marine life, allowing guests to observe sea lions swimming and interacting in their coastal domain.

The tour provides an immersive and educational wildlife experience, offering insights into the delicate balance of this remarkable ecosystem.

Maximizing Your Sea Lion Encounter

Though the opportunity to swim with sea lions is the highlight of the tour, participants can take several steps to maximize their encounter.

First, arrive on time as the tour has a strict schedule. Next, listen closely to the safety and guidance instructions provided by the bilingual guide.

Arrive on time and listen closely to the safety instructions from the bilingual guide for a seamless sea lion swimming experience.

When in the water, maintain a calm, respectful distance from the sea lions and avoid sudden movements.

With patience and care, participants can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and capture unforgettable memories.

Following these tips will ensure a safe and fulfilling sea lion swimming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Activity Suitable for Children?

The activity is suitable for children, though participants must be able to follow instructions and swim confidently. Wetsuits and life jackets are provided, but children may require extra assistance from parents or guardians.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Participants can’t bring their own snorkeling gear, as the tour provides all necessary equipment, including wetsuits, life jackets, and snorkeling gear. This ensures proper safety and equipment for the sea lion swimming experience.

How Many People Are Typically in a Group?

The typical group size for this activity ranges from 15 to 25 people. The tour operator aims to maintain a manageable group size to ensure a personalized and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What Is the Policy for Rescheduling Due to Bad Weather?

If weather conditions are unfavorable, the tour can be rescheduled at no additional cost. Customers will receive a full refund if the activity is cancelled by the operator and they’re unable to reschedule.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Participants can bring food and drinks on the boat. However, it’s recommended to avoid bringing any glass containers for safety reasons. The tour operator provides water and soft drinks during the excursion.

The Sum Up

This thrilling sea lion swim and wildlife cruise offers a unique opportunity to take in Peru’s coastal biodiversity. Departing from Callao, the 4-hour excursion allows participants to explore the Palomino Islands, home to guano birds and Humboldt penguins, while also swimming alongside friendly sea lions. With wetsuits and snorkeling gear provided, this adventure promises an engaging and educational experience for nature enthusiasts.